multiplex

American  

[muhl-tuh-pleks] / ˈmʌl təˌplɛks /

adjective

1. having many parts or aspects.

   the multiplex problem of drug abuse.

2. manifold; multiple.

   the multiplex opportunities in high technology.

3. Telecommunications. of, relating to, or using equipment permitting the simultaneous transmission of two or more signals or messages over a single channel.

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verb (used with object)

1. Telecommunications.

   1. to arrange (a circuit) for use by multiplex telegraphy, allowing multiple synchronous signals to be sent and received on a single telegraph wire.

   2. to transmit (two or more signals or messages) by a multiplex system, circuit, or the like, as in telegraph and telephone communication, or television and radio broadcasting.

verb (used without object)

1. to send several messages or signals simultaneously, as in telegraph and telephone communication, or television and radio broadcasting.

noun

1. a multiplex electronics system.

2. (in map making) a stereoscopic device that makes it possible to view pairs of aerial photographs in three dimensions.

3. Also called multiplex cinema.  Also called multiplex theater.  a group of two or more movie theaters on the same site or in the same building, especially a cluster of adjoining theaters.

multiplex British  

/ ˈmʌltɪˌplɛks /

noun

1. telecomm

   1. the use of a common communications channel for sending two or more messages or signals. In frequency-division multiplex the frequency band transmitted by the common channel is split into narrower bands each of which constitutes a distinct channel. In time-division multiplex different channels are established by intermittent connections to the common channel

   2. ( as modifier )

      a multiplex transmitter

2. 1. a purpose-built complex containing a number of cinemas and usually a restaurant or bar

   2. ( as modifier )

      a multiplex cinema

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adjective

1. designating a method of map-making using three cameras to produce a stereoscopic effect

2. a less common word for multiple

verb

1. to send (messages or signals) or (of messages or signals) be sent by multiplex

Other Word Forms

• multiplexer
  noun
• multiplexor
  noun

Etymology

Origin of multiplex

From Latin, dating back to 1550–60; see origin at multi-, -plex

Explanation

A multiplex is like a movie lover’s paradise — a big building packed with many theaters, so you can decide whether you’re in the mood for an action flick, a comedy, or the latest animated hit, all under one roof. The word multiplex us built from multi-, meaning "many," and plex, meaning "having parts or units." Originally, it described something complex or made up of many parts, and it still does. It also describes communication systems that carry multiple signals on the same channel. But today, the more common meaning of multiplex is a large cinema complex with multiple theaters showing different movies.

Example Sentences

Multiplex has previously said in evidence that infection problems arose because of design choices by the health board or poor maintenance.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

The Buddha of the Multiplex, or maybe just The One.

From Washington Post • Mar. 24, 2023

Multiplex primer mixes were tested on DNA extractions for a further 14 of the 37 trees from the European Diversity Panel.

From Nature • Dec. 25, 2016

That movie has been jockeying for position with "Spotlight" for the unofficial crown of Best Picture Nominee Whose Importance Goes Well Beyond the Multiplex.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2016

Multiplex telegraphy of various kinds has been actively pursued, but chiefly on the other side of the Atlantic rather than in this country, where our fast-speed automatic system has proved quite adequate hitherto.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 443, June 28, 1884 by Various

Related Words

• different
• numerous
• various